Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

The label on your pack will tell you how much you should use and how often you should use it. It is important to start using the cream as soon as the infection begins.

You will feel a tingling or an itching when you are about to get a herpes blister. You should use the cream when you first notice this tingling or itching feeling as it may prevent the blister from developing.

Wash your hands before and after using the cream.

E

E

o

The recommended dose is:

Age

Adults and children

How much to use

A thin layer on the affected area making sure the whole area is covered

How often to use it

Every 4 hours, 5 times a day

Cold sores: Use for

4 days

Genital herpes: Use for

5 days

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If the affected area has not healed you can continue to apply the cream for a further 5 days.

If after this time the area still has not healed stop using the cream and talk to your doctor.

For use on the skin only.

Do not apply the cream to the inside of the mouth, the eyes or inside the vagina as it might cause irritation.

Do not use more than the amount recommended above.

If your symptoms worsen at any time stop using the cream and talk to your doctor.

If you use more Aciclovir 5% w/w Cream than you should:

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you use too much Aciclovir 5% w/w Cream. If you swallow the cream accidentally talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you forget to use Aciclovir 5% w/w Cream:

If you forget to use the cream, use it as soon as you remember. Then go on as before. However, if it is nearly time for your next application, skip the missed application. Do not use a double application to make up for a forgotten application.

^4 Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Stop using the cream and tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital if the following happens:

• an allergic reaction causing swelling of the lips, face or neck leading to severe difficulty in breathing, or severe skin rash or hives. This is a very serious but very rare side effect. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in

100 people)

• Burning, stinging, mild drying or flaking of the skin

• Itching

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

• Sudden outbreak of red spots, bumps, and lesions on the skin

Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)

• Raised, red, itchy skin (symptoms of urticaria, which is often known as hives or nettle rash)

Other potential side effects include:

• Redness, tense skin

• Painful sensation of the skin where the cream has been applied

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

How to store Aciclovir 5% w/w Cream

Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard.

Do not store above 30°C.

Use by the date printed on the tube and carton. Aciclovir 5% w/w Cream should be used within 4 weeks of first opening of the tube. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.